Understanding Relationship between Human Development Index and COVID Infection Rate - A Study of Districts in Maharashtra

Abstract

The recent pandemic due to Corona virus has thrown an unprecedented challenge before the world. No economy and society has been spared by the ill effects of the spread of this disease. The impact of this pandemic has not limited itself to the plunging economic growth, but has also impacted the core foundation of human development i.e. a healthy and long life. India is the second most affected nation of the world and Maharashtra is the most affected state in India. This paper investigates the relationship between Cumulative COVID cases and fatality and Human Development Index of the thirty five districts of Maharashtra using machine learning. An unexpected positive relationship emerges between HDI and COVID cases in Maharashtra. The paper further investigates the probable reasons for the same which can be a starting point for policy making.

Keywords: COVID cases, COVID fatality Human Development Index , Maharashtra

JEL Classification: O15, I15